Stefani Maihoub

Dr. Stefani Maihoub

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

7Years (2020-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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8 November 2022 in Ear, Nose & Throat Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
AMAndrás Molnár
András Molnár
PMPanayiota Mavrogeni
Panayiota Mavrogeni
LTLászló Tamás
László Tamás
SMStefani Maihoub
Stefani Maihoub
Objectives: This study aimed to analyse the correlation between depression, anxiety, and tinnitus handicap in patients with primary tinnitus. Methods: A total of 102 patients (41 men, 61 women; mean age ± SD: 56.8 ± 11.6 years) were examined. They completed the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Symptom-Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Correlations were analysed using Pearson’s and Spearman’s tests. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: The demographic data suggested a slight female predominance. The THI questionnaires indicated a worsening handicap in 73.5% of the patients, of which the ‘mild’ category was the most frequent, followed by severe handicaps. According to BDI, 69.6% of individuals fell in the normal category, with mild cases being the most frequent. Of the two psychiatric symptoms, depression (BDI) and tinnitus were strongly correlated (rho= 0.579, P < .0001*). The correlation was also significant according to the SCL-90-R depression questions (rho= 0.523, P < .0001*). Upon comparing the depressive scores and the THI subscores (i.e., functional, emotional, and catastrophic), each showed a significant correlation, with the strongest correlation with functional and emotional scores. The correlation with anxiety was slightly weaker (rho= 0.480, P < .0001*) but also significant. According to the Kaplan–Meier curves and logistic regression, the appearance of depressive symptoms did not significantly influence the appearance of a worsening handicap [ P = .428; OR: 1.124 (95% CI: 0.842–1.501)]. However, a worsening handicap significantly influenced the appearance of depressive symptoms [ P < .0001*; OR: 1.35 (95% CI: 1.34–4.86)], indicating that tinnitus has a more expressed effect on the appearance of depressive symptoms than reversed. Conclusions: The correlation between tinnitus handicap and psychiatric comorbidities indicates the importance of psychological factors in tinnitus management. Tinnitus handicap has a more profound effect on depression scores. To avoid the occurrence of comorbidities, tinnitus handicaps must be reduced.

15 February 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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SMStefani Maihoub
Stefani Maihoub
PMPanayiota Mavrogeni
Panayiota Mavrogeni
VMViktória Molnár
Viktória Molnár
András MolnárAndrás Molnár
András Molnár
Objectives: This study aimed to explore the demographic and clinical features of tinnitus individuals and analyse its correlation with associated comorbidities. Methods: The study population comprised 147 participants (66 men, 81 women; median age: 52 years) who experienced persistent tinnitus. Comprehensive assessments were carried out, including audiological examinations, scoring using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, and thorough medical evaluations. Statistical analyses were applied to explore the correspondences between tinnitus, hearing loss, and various comorbidities, including cardiovascular conditions, metabolic disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, autoimmune diseases, pulmonary diseases, and allergic rhinitis. Results: The analysis indicated a slight predominance of females, comprising 55.1% of the participants, with a median onset of tinnitus around the age of 50. Chronic tinnitus was noted, lasting approximately 46 months. Hearing loss was noted in 52.4% of patients, with bilateral tinnitus being the most prevalent type, affecting 44.2% of individuals. Dyslipidaemia was found to significantly predict bilateral tinnitus (p = 0.003*) and left-sided tinnitus (p = 0.023*). Additionally, atherosclerosis was associated with hearing impairment (p = 0.006*) and right-sided tinnitus (p = 0.044*). Dyslipidaemia was also significantly correlated with elevated intensity values (p = 0.04*). Furthermore, atherosclerosis was significantly associated with higher levels of hearing loss (p < 0.00001*). Conclusions: The study emphasises the complex nature of tinnitus and its links to cardiovascular, metabolic, and other comorbidities, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive, interdisciplinary management.

30 March 2025 in Biomedicines
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Journal Article
Open access
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András MolnárAndrás Molnár
András Molnár
VMViktória Molnár
Viktória Molnár
PMPanayiota Mavrogeni
Panayiota Mavrogeni
SMStefani Maihoub
Stefani Maihoub
Objectives: This study aimed to analyse blood glucose and lipid levels in subjective tinnitus compared to healthy controls. Method: A total of 414 patients with subjective tinnitus and 274 healthy participants were enrolled. All participants underwent comprehensive laboratory testing, which included measurements of fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and blood lipids. Results: The tinnitus group had significantly higher glucose levels than the control group (p = 0.024). Additionally, the HbA1c levels were higher in the tinnitus group (p = 0.006). Tinnitus patients exhibited elevated levels of total cholesterol (p < 0.001), triglycerides (p < 0.001), and LDL (p < 0.001). However, HDL levels showed no significant difference (p = 0.984). Although the triglyceride–glucose index tends to show higher values in the tinnitus group, this difference is statistically insignificant (p = 0.688). ROC indicated that LDL had the highest sensitivity for predicting tinnitus (AUC = 0.620; p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.573–0.668). Other parameters showed significant results, excluding the triglyceride–glucose index (AUC = 0.514; p = 0.688, 95% CI: 0.443–0.585), which was not a significant predictor. Glucose levels significantly correlate with age (rho = 0.338, p < 0.001) and tinnitus onset (rho = 0.107, p = 0.034). Additionally, age showed a significant correlation with total cholesterol levels (rho = 0.156, p = 0.002) and triglycerides (rho = 0.121, p = 0.020) and tinnitus onset (rho = 0.344, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of tinnitus was significantly associated with elevated HbA1c levels (p = 0.007) and TG levels (p = 0.001). Furthermore, the occurrence of chronic tinnitus was significantly influenced by elevated glucose levels (p = 0.026). Conclusions: The results showed increased glucose and blood lipid levels in tinnitus. LDL levels exhibited the highest sensitivity in predicting tinnitus. However, the TyG index was not a significant predictor. Given the cross-sectional design of the study, which may limit the results, further longitudinal studies are necessary.

30 October 2020 in Ear, Nose & Throat Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SMStefani Maihoub
Stefani Maihoub
András MolnárAndrás Molnár
András Molnár
AGAnita Gáborján
Anita Gáborján
LTLászló Tamás
László Tamás
ÁSÁgnes Szirmai
Ágnes Szirmai
Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between the loss of the cochleovestibular functions in Ménière’s disease (MD). Methods: Forty-three patients with definite MD underwent pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and caloric test. Canal paresis (CP%), dPTA (interaural difference), and average PTA results were contrasted. IBM SPSS V24 was used for statistical analysis. Results: According to PTA, most patients were in stage C, and caloric weakness was found in 29 patients. Linear ( R2 = 0.06) and nonlinear correlation tests (rho = 0.245, P = .113) between canal paresis (CP%) and dPTA showed no correlation, as well as between CP% and PTA analysis ( R2 = 0.007, rho = 0.11, P = .481). As per the categorial analysis, no correlation was detected between the groups either (κ = 0.174, 95% CI: 0.0883 - 0.431). Based on the results of the analysis, it was concluded that a more advanced stage determined by audiometry does not indicate increasing values in the CP% parameter. Conclusions: Audiometric changes do not directly correspond with the vestibular ones; therefore, no specific correlation exists between them. Thus, for therapy planning and diagnosis, both tests are necessary.

18 June 2025 in Audiology Research
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SMStefani Maihoub
Stefani Maihoub
PMPanayiota Mavrogeni
Panayiota Mavrogeni
Gábor Dénes RépássyGábor Dénes Répássy
Gábor Dénes Répássy
András MolnárAndrás Molnár
András Molnár
Objectives: This study aimed to analyse the haematological parameters in relation to subjective tinnitus. We hypothesise that abnormal haematological findings may correlate with increased severity and chronicity of tinnitus. This research could lead to improved diagnostic methods and more targeted treatments. Material and Methods: A total of 439 patients with primary subjective tinnitus and 274 individuals without tinnitus were enrolled. These participants underwent comprehensive laboratory testing, which included haematological parameters. Results: When comparing the white blood cell levels between the tinnitus group and the control group, no statistically significant differences were found (p = 0.743). Similarly, comparisons of red blood cell levels (p = 0.250), haemoglobin levels (p = 0.087), and haematocrit levels (p = 0.066) also revealed no significant differences. The platelet levels showed no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.782). According to a logistic regression model, lower levels of haemoglobin (p = 0.000) and platelets (p = 0.000) significantly predicted higher scores on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, indicating self-reported tinnitus severity. Furthermore, lower haemoglobin levels were significant predictors (p = 0.04) of developing bilateral tinnitus. Using Spearman’s correlation test, a statistically significant negative correlation (p = 0.029) was observed between red blood cell levels and the onset of tinnitus. The frequency of tinnitus demonstrated a significant positive correlation with haemoglobin levels (p = 0.04) and haematocrit levels (p = 0.043). Conversely, platelet levels showed a significant negative correlation with both tinnitus intensity (p = 0.002) and the onset of tinnitus (p = 0.033). Conclusions: While the haematological parameters showed no significant differences between the tinnitus and control groups, further analyses indicated that certain parameters, such as haemoglobin and haematocrit levels, could potentially influence tinnitus, necessitating further investigation.

29 November 2024 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
PMPanayiota Mavrogeni
Panayiota Mavrogeni
András MolnárAndrás Molnár
András Molnár
VMViktória Molnár
Viktória Molnár
LTLászló Tamás
László Tamás
SMStefani Maihoub
Stefani Maihoub
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between tinnitus pitch and loudness, the frequency of hearing loss, hearing level, and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) scores reported by patients. Methods: In total, 139 patients (50 men and 89 women; mean age ± SD, 60.19 ± 11.47 years) who suffered from chronic primary tinnitus associated with sensorineural hearing loss were included in the study. Participants underwent pure-tone audiometry and tinnitus pitch matching assessments. Additionally, all participants completed the Hungarian version of the THI questionnaire. Correlations were assessed using simple linear, Spearman’s, and Pearson’s correlation tests, and a linear regression model was applied. The Mann–Whitney U test was also used. Results: This study identified a significant correlation between the pitch of tinnitus and the frequency of hearing loss (p = 0.000 *; rho = 0.549). There was also a significant correlation between tinnitus noise and hearing levels (p = 0.000 *; rho = 0.375). Age was shown to significantly affect tinnitus loudness (p = 0.016 *) and hearing levels (p = 0.000 *) as determined by a linear regression model. Tinnitus duration only significantly influenced tinnitus loudness (p = 0.022). There was no significant effect of sex on tinnitus or audiometry parameters. Total THI scores were influenced solely by tinnitus loudness (p = 0.021 *). Furthermore, sex did have an effect on total THI scores, with women reporting higher scores (p = 0.000 *). Conclusions: This study concluded that there is a significant correlation between the pitch and loudness of tinnitus and hearing levels, suggesting a connection in their underlying mechanisms. The intensity of tinnitus and hearing level are primarily affected by ageing processes. Furthermore, the severity of self-perceived tinnitus is mainly related to the loudness of tinnitus.